Planning a flight from Poland to the United Arab Emirates and wondering what the real flight time to the UAE looks like? It depends on your departure city, whether you choose a direct flight from Poland, and whether you’re flying to Dubai (DXB/DWC) or Abu Dhabi (AUH). The distance from Dubai to Warsaw is about 4,200 km, which translates into flight time. It’s worth remembering that your departure airport can significantly affect the comfort of your trip and how enjoyable those hours in the air feel. Below you’ll find practical ranges: average flight time to the UAE, the difference between direct and connecting flights, and a quick “how to shorten your travel time” cheat sheet.
What does travel time to the UAE depend on?
Flight time to the Emirates is mainly influenced by:
whether the flight is direct or with a connection (this is the biggest difference),
the destination airport: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi,
the flight path, wind strength, and weather — route and winds can noticeably affect flight duration, and weather can also shape the trip; time in the air can differ by tens of minutes,
the connection points — the number and location of layovers significantly affect total travel time,
time spent at the airport between flights (a sensible minimum is 1.5–2.5 hours).
In short: a direct flight from Poland to the UAE usually takes about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes (depending on winds and routing), while connecting flights are most often 8–14+ hours total (depending on the connection, route, layover airports, and weather).
Flights from Poland to the UAE: flight times (direct)
The times below apply to direct flights and are a good reference point for the question: how long is the flight to the United Arab Emirates?
Direct flights to Dubai are faster and more comfortable than connecting flights and minimize the stress of waiting for the next leg. Direct flights to Dubai are operated mainly by major international airlines.
Read also: How long is the flight to Dubai from Poland? Check the travel time
Warsaw → Dubai (WAW → DXB)
How many hours is the flight to Dubai? From Warsaw it’s typically around 5 h 40 min (airborne time may vary).
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the largest and most frequently chosen airport in Dubai. It offers modern terminals and a wide range of services designed to improve passenger comfort.
This is the most popular route when it comes to flights from Warsaw to the UAE.
Warsaw → Abu Dhabi (WAW → AUH)
Flight time to Abu Dhabi: usually around 5 h 40 min (Etihad states “around five hours and 40 minutes”).
Kraków → Dubai (KRK → DXB)
The Kraków–Dubai flight time is sometimes listed in schedules as around 5 h 44 min.
Dubai’s second major airport is Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Both airports — Dubai International (DXB) and DWC — provide convenient access to central Dubai and other emirates.
In practice, a “direct vs connecting flight to the UAE” is two very different experiences. If you have a direct option, it almost always wins on time and comfort.
Other Polish cities: how long is the flight to the UAE?
For many Polish cities (Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań, Katowice, Rzeszów, etc.) there often aren’t year-round, regular direct flights to the UAE, so a typical scenario is:
a short flight to a hub (often Warsaw or a major European airport),
a long-haul flight to DXB or AUH.
Flight connections from various Polish cities to the UAE often require transfers at major hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Istanbul. Layover locations have a significant impact on total travel time — longer waits for the next flight or additional transfers can extend the journey by several hours. Connecting flights can be cheaper than direct flights, but keep in mind they may involve extra formalities at the airport, such as passport control or changing terminals.
Travel agencies offer charter flights to Dubai, available seasonally or on request. Low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air (Katowice to Abu Dhabi) and Ryanair also include UAE routes in their offer, often with connections. Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are available in various formats — both as standalone tickets and as packages including a hotel or car rental. The best deals can usually be found by booking in advance and comparing travel dates. It’s worth setting price alerts in flight search engines and tracking promotions directly from airlines so you don’t miss cheap fares.
In that case, total travel time to the Emirates most often looks like:
fast option with 1 layover: about 8–11 hours total,
standard option: about 10–14 hours,
“long layover / 2 layovers” option: 14–20+ hours.
If saving time matters, aim for: short feeder flight + 2–3 hour transfer + long-haul leg.
See also: Accommodation in Dubai and Dubai Travel Guide
Flight time from Europe to the UAE: selected city comparison
If you’re starting from Europe (or considering traveling to another airport), here are approximate direct flight times to Dubai:
Vienna → Dubai: about 5 h 30 min
Prague → Dubai: about 5 h 55 min
Berlin → Dubai: on average about 6 h 55 min
London (Heathrow) → Dubai: about 6 h 45 min
Dubai attracts travelers from all over the world, making it one of the most important air-travel destinations.
This gives a good sense of typical flight times from Central Europe to the UAE and overall flight time from Europe to the UAE.
Read also: How long is the flight to Dubai? Flight times from different European cities
Direct vs connecting flights to the UAE: how much do you gain?
Direct (from Poland):
most often ~5.5–6 hours in the air (plus getting to the airport/check-in).
With a connection:
realistic total travel time is usually 8–14 hours, because you add waiting time at the airport.
If your goal is “not wasting a day in airports,” a direct flight is almost always the best choice.
Is the flight to the UAE overnight or daytime?
It depends on the schedule, but one thing is consistent: the UAE is 3 hours ahead of Poland (UTC+4 vs UTC+1 in winter), so:
many flights depart in the evening and land “in the middle of the night / early morning” local time,
others (e.g., to Abu Dhabi) may depart during the day — Etihad shows a typical departure around 11:20.
Flight ticket prices to the UAE: what to expect?
When planning a trip to the UAE, it’s worth checking in advance how much the airfare typically costs. Ticket prices to Dubai or Abu Dhabi can vary significantly depending on the type of connection, season, and airline. Direct flights from Poland to the UAE, especially to Dubai, are usually more expensive than connecting flights, but they offer greater comfort and shorter travel time. The average price of a ticket on the Warsaw–Dubai route most often ranges from PLN 800 up to PLN 2,000, depending on the date, availability of promotions, and booking class. Keep in mind that prices rise during holidays, school breaks, and major events in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. In addition, extra fees may apply for checked baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance. If you want to save money, follow airline promotions and stay flexible with your travel dates — that’s often the key to finding the best deals on flights to the UAE.
How to find cheap flights to the UAE (practical tips)
Looking for ways to find cheap flights to the UAE? Here are a few proven tricks to help you score the best airfare deals to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
First, book in advance — the earlier, the better, especially for direct routes. Compare prices across different airlines such as Emirates, Wizz Air, or Turkish Airlines — differences can be significant, particularly on connecting itineraries. It also helps to be flexible with departure and return dates — shifting your trip by just a few days can noticeably reduce the fare. Don’t forget to watch for promotions and special offers that regularly appear on airline websites and in cheap-flight search engines. If layovers don’t bother you, consider flights with one or two connections — they’re often cheaper than direct flights, although the trip will take longer. Also check whether checked baggage is included — low-cost carriers like Wizz Air often have the lowest base fares, but charge extra for add-ons.
With these tips, you’ll find cheaper flights to the UAE more easily — and you can spend the money you save on attractions in Dubai (or extra experiences in Abu Dhabi) instead of leaving it with the airline.
How to shorten your travel time to the UAE (practical tips)
Choose a direct flight from Poland if it’s available on your dates.
If you need a connection: aim for one layover and a 2–3.5 hour transfer.
Avoid itineraries that require an “overnight at the airport” (unless you want a stopover on purpose).
If you’re flying from another Polish city, it can sometimes be faster to travel to Warsaw by train/car than risk two layovers.
Full-service airlines like Emirates often provide a more comfortable travel experience on routes to Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is a flight from Poland to the UAE?
Flight time depends on many factors such as the destination airport, airline, distance, and weather. If you get a direct connection, it’s usually around 5 h 40 min (e.g., Warsaw–Dubai, Warsaw–Abu Dhabi). With a connection, total travel time is most often 8–14 hours.
How long is the flight to Dubai?
From Warsaw it’s typically around 5 h 40 min. From Kraków, schedules sometimes show around 5 h 44 min. The exact duration depends on the route, carrier, and any connections.
How long is the flight to Abu Dhabi?
From Warsaw on a direct flight it’s usually around 5 h 40 min. It’s worth checking different airline options, including Wizz Air, which offers seasonal and often cheaper connections from Katowice to Abu Dhabi.
Are there direct flights from Poland to the UAE?
Yes — there are direct connections such as Warsaw–Dubai and Warsaw–Abu Dhabi, and sometimes direct Kraków–Dubai flights (depending on season and network). Wizz also offers attractive fares on the Katowice–Abu Dhabi route.
How much does a flight to Dubai cost?
Ticket prices depend on the season, how far in advance you book, the airline, and current promotions. You can sometimes find tickets from a few hundred PLN during sales, especially with low-cost carriers like Wizz. Compare offers and book early to get the best prices.
How to plan a trip to Dubai?
When planning a trip, look at flight availability, package deals (flight + hotel), and ticket promotions. After arriving in Dubai, you can start exploring the city — one recommended place is the Museum of the Future, which is worth booking in advance.
